Media Release
Issued 9 September 2003-04 / 030
Air New Zealand and Qantas: Commission confirms end of September for final determinations
The Commerce Commission today confirmed it was aiming to release its final determinations relating to the proposed
strategic alliance between Air New Zealand and Qantas at the end of the month. The Commission's Australian counterparts,
the ACCC, today released its decision to decline to authorise the proposed arrangement.
Commission Acting Chair Paula Rebstock said the Commission is considering a wealth of information delivered at its
recent six day conference, and aims to deliver its final determinations at the end of the month. Ms Rebstock said both
agencies have managed their processes independently from each other and each agency makes its own decision.
"For efficiency, we have shared some relevant information, but only relating to markets where there is common interest.
The processes are independent of each other," said Ms Rebstock.
Ms Rebstock said a significant difference for the Commission and the ACCC is the number of markets that are considered.
She said the alliance has an impact on a greater number of markets in New Zealand. She added that the New Zealand
Commerce Commission is also required, where possible, to quantify the benefits and detriments of the proposed alliance.
"The Commission's role is to determine whether the proposed alliance would result in a substantial lessening of
competition in any of the markets affected and, if so, whether the detriments flowing from this lessening of competition
are outweighed by the public benefits resulting from the alliance."
ENDS